By Kerri Richlen
The moment I heard about the Peru Friendship Exchange, I knew I had to go. Twenty years ago, I taught English in Taiwan, and ever since returning home, I'd longed to explore Central or South American cultures. My February trip to Guatemala with Common Hope had whetted my appetite, and now, this was my chance to immerse myself in South America.
Adding to my excitement were four students from Peru in my English as a Second Language (ESL) class. This exchange offered a unique opportunity for me, an ESL teacher, to experience firsthand what it's like to arrive in a new country with limited language skills. My students' enthusiasm was contagious: one raved about the amazing chicken and urged me to try "cuy" (guinea pig), while another declared Machu Picchu an absolute must-see.
As the trip approached, I knew I needed to brush up on my Spanish. I met my eight fellow travelers from Rotary District 6270 for lunch during TriCon, and we eagerly discussed our upcoming adventure. We also connected with our Peruvian hosts online, who flooded us with Spanish WhatsApp messages. My resolve to improve my Spanish quickly only grew!
Our itinerary included visiting Rotarians in two cities: Lima, which my students described as "busy and as large as New York," and Ica, a desert oasis a four-hour bus ride south. I was thrilled about the adventure ahead, especially knowing that after our two-week visit, these same Rotarians would experience Wisconsin in August.
A Taste of Peru: From Machu Picchu to Cuy
When most people think of Peru, Machu Picchu often comes to mind—the breathtaking 15th-century Inca settlement nestled in the Andes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. But Peru offers so much more. Perhaps it's the incredible variety of potatoes, or the refreshing Pisco Sour, an alcoholic beverage topped with frothy egg whites, perfect for a celebratory cheer. Then, of course, there's cuy, the small animal many of us know as a pet, which is carefully prepared and delightfully served in Peru. During my trip, I experienced all of it.
Machu Picchu truly is amazing! We savored delicious chicken and potatoes, engaging in long conversations with our travel companions and hosts. These chats often involved some Spanglish, a combination of Spanish and English, or benefited from the helpful translations of Google Translator. We raised our Pisco Sours, toasting our hosts for each memorable day. And yes, I did try the guinea pig. Does it taste like chicken? I'm not sure; I ate it too fast to fully analyze, trying not to think about its origins!
Embracing Peruvian Hospitality
Our Peruvian hosts were simply amazing. After a long day of travel, they greeted us at the airport with banners and an infectious energy that immediately lifted our spirits. We were in Peru!
Our hosts planned itineraries that allowed us to truly experience their country, showing us hidden gems that often go unnoticed in typical travel brochures. We saw Peru through the eyes of a Peruvian, and they generously shared their love for their country, their vibrant culture, and their deep sense of helping their community.
When I think of Peru, I recall the warm embraces of once strangers who are now dear friends. I remember the joyful dancing that's so intrinsic to their culture and brings people together. I think of the Rotary signs throughout the country, a constant reminder of our shared mission to improve communities. I am also reminded of the Rotary meetings we attended that drew members from other regions of Peru, eager to meet the American Rotarians. The trip was a whirlwind of nervousness, excitement, and exhaustion, but above all, it was filled with the heartfelt tears I shed as I said goodbye.
Welcoming Peru to Wisconsin
The Peruvian Rotarians will be in Wisconsin from August 21 to August 29. I'm incredibly excited to reunite with these new friends. My hope is that their experience in Wisconsin will be every bit as memorable as our unforgettable journey in Peru.
